ABSTRACT
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common condition that can be difficult to manage in physical therapy. A number of interventions, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education have typically been used in some combination. However, the evidence regarding thrust manipulation of not only the local but also adjacent segments is sparse. Specifically, the use of cervicothoracic (CT) junction thrust manipulation has not previously been described in the management of individuals with TMD. In this case report, CT junction thrust manipulation, in addition to locally directed manual therapy, exercise, and postural education, was associated with immediate improvements in neck and jaw symptoms and function in a complex patient with TMD. The patient was seen for seven visits over the course of 2 months and demonstrated clinically significant changes in the neck disability index (NDI), the numeric rating of pain scale (NPRS), and the global rating of change (GROC) scale. The purpose of this report is to describe the successful physical therapy management of a patient with TMD utilizing manual therapy, including CT junction thrust manipulation, education, and exercise.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) encompass a variety of dysfunction of the maxillofacial region. A strong relationship between TMD and cervical spine pain exists, and widespread hyperalgesia is common in TMD. This case describes the management and reduction in regional hyperalgesia in a patient with chronic TMD. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old female with a 10-year history of tinnitus and bilateral (B) jaw pain, and 5-year history of intermittent neck pain, presented with pain, which could reach 10/10 on the numeric pain rating scale, locking, tightness and restricted eating habits. Cervical motion testing did not reproduce her jaw pain. Her mouth opening (MO) and B temporomandibular joint (TMJ) accessory glides were limited and painful. Accessory glides at the upper cervical facet joints reproduced her jaw pain. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) at her B masseters and thenar eminences at the hand were diminished, indicating hyperalgesia. INTERVENTION: Treatment included passive mobilizations at her TMJs and cervical spine. Home exercises included self-mobilization of her TMJs and neck. In six sessions, her MO improved from 30 to 45 mm and average pain improved from 4/10 to 0/10. The jaw pain and function questionnaire improved from 16/52 to 5/52. PPTs at her right/left masseter and thenar eminence improved from 140/106 and 221/230 kPa to 381/389 and 562/519 kPa, respectively. CONCLUSION: This case described the treatment and reduction of upper extremity hyperalgesia of a patient with chronic jaw and neck pain. Manual therapy may be a valuable intervention in the treatment of chronic TMD with distal hyperalgesia.
